Smoothies have become an incredibly popular way of increasing daily fruit and vegetable intake. According to the world health organization (WHO), most adults today are not meeting their daily requirements for fruits and vegetables.

Whether for breakfast, lunch or supper or as a snack, a smoothie a day can help us meet our fruit and vegetable requirements and boost our overall health by providing our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants.

Popular nutrient dense ingredients in smoothies include, raw fruits, green leafy vegetables , nuts and seeds as well as superfood powders including matcha powder, spirulina and raw cannabis.

In this article, we unpack everything there is to know about raw cannabis including how to easily add it into your diet to boost your health!

The Basics of Hemp

Cannabis refers to a group of flowering plants that, when harvested and dried, produce psychoactive properties. The two main therapeutic compounds within the cannabis plant are known as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD and THC differ mainly in their ability to elicit psychoactive effects on your body. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for what is often described as the euphoric effect of cannabis.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has increased in popularity as a dietary supplement for a variety of perceived health benefits.

There are a variety of products being sold today that contain either only THC, only CBD or a mixture of both compounds. Hemp products are also becoming increasingly popular. Hemp is simply a cannabis plant that contains a high amount of CBD and virtually no THC.

The Nutritional Health Benefits of Cannabis

Cannabis is commonly viewed as a natural alternative for a variety of both medical and mental health complaints. It is used commonly today for its perceived effect in improving sleep, mood, and reducing chronic pain [1] [2].

Recently, cannabis has also become increasingly recognized as a nutritionally complete superfood. Hemp seeds found within the cannabis plant are definitely the most nutrient-dense part of the plant.

These seeds are high in protein, essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6), calcium, and iron.[3] These seeds are especially relevant in vegan and vegetarian diets because the protein found in the seeds is complete, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids our bodies need.

The leaves of the cannabis plant provide our bodies with fibre, which is a key factor in supporting our gut health. Other important immune-boosting properties of the cannabis plant include polyphenols [4], well-known antioxidants that strengthen our immune systems.

Why Raw Hemp?

The term “raw’ refers to a product found in its natural state. Raw cannabis therefore refers to a cannabis plant that has not been heated.

Without heat, the psychoactive compounds of cannabis mentioned earlier in this article, remain inactive. Therefore, raw cannabis contains the inactive counterparts of CBD and THC, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).

Recent research suggests that these inactive counterparts, specifically CBDA, may act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents. [5]

Furthermore, heating food can result in the loss of certain nutrients, specifically vitamin C, an essential vitamin in immune function. [6]

Consuming raw foods, specifically green leafy vegetables, may, therefore, boost the immune system by providing our bodies with more vitamins and minerals that would otherwise be lost through heating processes.

Where to Buy Raw CBD Tincture?

LiftMode offers a variety of unit sizes of CBD extract products, standardized to the highest purity. Our "Synergy" Oil contains a 65% CBD tincture with <0.3% THC, as well as a full spectrum of terpenes, phytochemicals and cannabinoids. These work synergistically to produce a wide range of effects.

LiftMode’s CBD Isolate Crystalline Powder is 100% THC free and contains no cannabinoids, terpenes, oils, waxes, or plant material whatsoever. 

 

LiftMode’s Green Hemp CBD Smoothie

One of the easiest ways to include cannabis in our diets, is by adding it to a daily smoothie. Smoothies, and specifically green smoothies are become an increasingly popular health trend.

Not only do green smoothies pack in essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking form our diets, they are mainly consumed today due to their perceived effects in boosting energy and improving skin health.

This simple green smoothie is packed with protein, essential vitamins and minerals and healthy omega 3’s to give our immune systems that boost they may be needing.

Ingredients:

(Makes 1 serving)

  • ½ cup baby spinach, fresh or frozen
  • 1 banana. Frozen
  • 1 cup plant based milk, unsweetened ( more may be required depending on how you prefer your smoothies)
  • 2 tsp peanut butter, unsweetened
  • ¼ cup pineapple, frozen
  • 25mg, LiftMode raw Hemp Extract
  • 2 Tbsp hemp seeds

To make the smoothie:

  • Blend the spinach and plant based milk first
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth
  • Add more/less liquid depending on how thick you prefer your smoothie to be

Optional Smoothie Additions:

  • Handful of white grapes, fresh or frozen (will naturally sweeten the smoothie)
  • 2 Tbsp Plant based protein powder
  • ¼ cup raw oats ( adds fiber and extra protein)

Summary

Raw cannabis is not intoxicating unless it is heated. Cannabis contains key nutrients for optimal immune function including complete protein, vitamin C, essential fatty acids and iron.

Cannabis products today contain differing quantities of CBD and THC compounds. Pure CBD products are not intoxicating but when consumed, may be beneficial for improving sleep, mood and chronic pain.

Cannabis can be included in your diet by simply adding it to a smoothie! Smoothies can be made in a variety of ways but some simple smoothie making tips include; freezing your fruit to create a creamy texture and blending leafy greens first for a smooth texture.

Lastly, store bought smoothies can contain a lot of added sugar, therefore always prepare your smoothies at home so you can be sure that every ingredient positively boosts your health!

References

[1] Shaikh, A., Money, S. (2019) Cannabinoids and Pain Management: an Insight into Recent Advancements. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 7, 208–213.

[2] Chadwick, V. L., Rohleder, C., Koethe, D., & Leweke, F. M. (2019). Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in anxiety, depression, and dysregulation of emotion in humans. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 1.

[3] L. Mahan, J. Raymond (2017) Krause’s Food and the Nutrition care Process (14th Ed) St. Louis, Missouri : Elsevier.

[4] Pollastro F, Minassi A, Fresu LG. (2018) Cannabis Phenolics and their Bioactivities. Curr Med Chem.;25(10):1160‐1185. 

[5] Rock, E. M., Limebeer, C. L., & Parker, L. A. (2018). Effect of cannabidiolic acid and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol on carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and edema in a rodent model of inflammatory pain. Psychopharmacology, 235(11), 3259–3271. 

[6] Lee, S., Choi, Y., Jeong, H. S., Lee, J., & Sung, J. (2017). Effect of different cooking methods on the content of vitamins and true retention in selected vegetables. Food science and biotechnology, 27(2), 333–342.